The Children's International Film Festival (CHIFF) brings young cinema lovers a curated selection of international features, family short films and special events. To help you navigate this year's program and find the right movies for your family, here are our top recommendations – based on what books your kids have been enjoying!
The festival runs from 7 June – 20 July at select cinemas across Melbourne and Sydney. Find session details and the full festival program on the CHIFF website here.
For kids who love the adorable Detective Beans:
See Tummy Tom and the Lost Teddy Bear
Tummy Tom is a young, orange cat who is curious, cheerful, and a bit impulsive. He loves to play but can also be a little bit impatient and gets easily carried away. Bear, his favourite cuddle toy, is his most cherished possession.
When Bear goes missing and is nowhere to be found, Tummy Tom cannot sleep. Luckily, his friend Cat Mouse is there to help, and they set off to find Bear, having many exciting adventures, discovering new places, and meeting new animals along the way.
For ages 3+
For kids who like to take their own path:
See Thelma's Perfect Birthday Party
Thelma the little penguin lives with her parents in a cold world of ice. She dreams of having a great big fifth birthday party with family and friends, but her parents don’t understand. So Thelma takes matters into her own hands, setting off on an adventurous journey into the Great Forest where she encounters a life full of colour, warmth and acceptance.
With her companions Vilhelm the cat and Sofia the mouse, Thelma learns confidence, individuality and the importance of friendship.
For ages 5+
For kids who love the world of the Moomins:
See Moominpappa The Great Explorer
This year continues the tradition of CHIFF premiering new episodes of the Moominvalley show, with three new episodes from the fourth and possibly final season.
In Moominpappa The Great Explorer, Moominpappa goes on a heroic adventure to rescue his best friend Joxter, with a less enthusiastic Moomintroll in tow. But mishaps and misunderstandings allow Moomintroll to see Moominpappa in a new light. A mysterious flying creature is terrorising the residents of Moominvalley in Song of the Groke. While Little My and Snorkmaiden head out to confront the mysterious and reclusive Groke, whom they assume is responsible, the other residents start to believe that the culprit is actually a vampire. It is book launch day in Moominpappa and Aunt Jane and Moominpappa is excited to celebrate publishing his memoir, but an unexpected visit from the fearsome Aunt Jane threatens to ruin everything.
For ages 5+
For kids who love the fun and spooky adventures of Elston Fright:
See Elli and her Monster Team
In the future, all monsters and spooky creatures have been outlawed, and Elli the little ghost and her uncle have to stay hidden. When her uncle is rounded up and imprisoned by robots, Elli must find somewhere new to live. Stumbling amongst the eccentric and supernatural residents of the Ghost Train, Elli finds a new place to belong. When Elli accidentally attracts the attention from the Outsideworld, putting everyone at risk, she and the motley crew of monsters must embark on a crazy quest to not only save the Ghost Train, but also her only chance to finally have a family of her own.
For ages 7+
For kids who love the colourful world of Frida Kahlo:
See Hola Frida!
This traditionally animated film brings the vibrant world of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo to life for a whole new generation of children. Focusing on Frida’s childhood growing up in Coyoacán, Mexico City at the start of the last century, it is the story of a little girl who viewed the world around her in a way that would inspire her to become one of the most distinctive and important painters in the world.
Sparkling and bursting with life, everything interests young Frida. When difficulties arise, she faces them with an overflowing imagination. She adapts to living with disability, discovers her artistic style, learns about politics and begins to explore her identity.
For ages 7+
For older kids who love the adventures of Robin Hood:
See Robin and the Hoods
For the tenacious 11-year-old Robin and her loyal band of friends 'The Hoods', the patch of overgrown scrubland at the end of their cul-de-sac is a magical kingdom. Sticks and bin lids have become swords and shields, drones have become majestic eagles and the hippy lady in the forest is a terrifying witch.
When a slippery property developer turns up and dazzles the parents of the area with promises of health spas and day-care facilities, Robin and The Hoods' world comes under threat. Despite the children's best efforts, their protests fall on deaf ears. When their parents can't see the wood for the trees, Robin and her friends take matters into their own hands to defend their kingdom.
For ages 12+
Want more family events?
As well as movie screenings, the CHIFF program includes special events to get kids even more engaged in the joys of storytelling – including this exciting event to celebrate the launch of Gabrille Wang's new middle grade novel, The Silken Thread.
The Silken Thread is a magical story of friendship forged between two children from very different worlds, from a beloved Australian Children's Laureate. Moonie lives in Melbourne and dreams of designing dresses for movie stars. Eight thousand kilometres away, on Chongming Island in China, peasant boy Little Dipper cares for the silkworms on his family's farm and hopes to learn English. One day, Little Dipper suddenly appears in Moonie's house. Before they can speak, he is whisked back home, but aided by a magical silk cocoon, Little Dipper's visits become a regular event. Although neither child knows how or why they are connected, their bond grows each time.
This free event is presented by CHIFF in partnership with Readings, so book your place and come join the fun on Saturday 5 July! You can find more information here.
Check out the CHIFF program and book your session now to enjoy this festival for movie lovers of all ages. 🎬
